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Tropical Storm Melissa is predicted to escalate to a infrequent category five storm as it veers towards the Caribbean island, causing dangerous rapid inundation and landslides.

The cyclone, which recorded winds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is currently turning northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to reach land by midweek, as reported by meteorological authorities.

Warnings of blackouts and disruption to utilities have been released as Melissa brings up to 30 inches of rain and storm surges as high as thirteen feet above normal levels. "Seek shelter now," locals have been told.

This hurricane is the 13th hurricane in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which typically ends in late autumn.

Most Intense Storm Risk

A Category 5 hurricane is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While Melissa is projected to reduce in intensity to a Category 4 storm before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon landfall, and that the cyclone will be "just as powerful" when it strikes the country.

Urgent Safety Steps

With storm-force winds and rain predicted to begin long before it moves across the island's interior - possibly even the city of Kingston - warnings emphasize that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and heavy rainfall have begun and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and multiple mudslides," counseled climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the official commented: "I understand that there are many Jamaicans who are concerned, who are very concerned, and appropriately: you should be concerned.

"But the most effective method to address nervousness and any nervousness and worry is to remain prepared."

Inhabitants are being instructed to protect their properties with sand barriers and wooden boards, and to accumulate essentials.

Broader Impact

Advisories are also ongoing for areas in Haiti encompassing the main city, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is anticipated to bring analogous consequences by the middle portion of the coming week.

Rock slides presently generated by the storm have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to emergency services.

Projected Path

This weather system is projected to cross the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic.

By the time it reaches Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a category three cyclone.

Environmental Connection

Even though it is difficult to associate specific storms to global warming, experts say it is causing weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Warmer oceans generate additional humidity in the air, contributing to the formation of tropical cyclones.

Prior to the beginning of the current Atlantic storm period, meteorological authorities forecast higher-than-average occurrence, citing warmer seas and potential more intense weather patterns around African coastal regions - where hurricanes often form.